Who Will Be the Next Victim of the Grand Bounce? A nonpartisan, nonjudgmental look at the “Hair-Trigger” Form of Government

Monday, April 30, 2012

New Jersey: Emerson Councilwoman facing recall threat

A "notice of intent" was filed to recall Emerson Borough Councilwoman Danielle DiPaola, a first term Republican. The issue is over funds donated to the Emerson Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EVAC). DiPaola, who formerly served as the corps' liaison, publicly raised concerns over whether it is legal for the volunteer 501(c)(3) organization to grant clothing allowances out of contributed funds.

Petitioners will have 160 days to collect 1,178 signatures, or 25 percent of turnout. Here's a weird provision that I should look into "the Republican committee would need to select a candidate to run against DiPaola, who's term expires in December 2013." Don't know why that would be.

Emerson had two other experiences with the recall. A petition to recall Former Council President Gina Calogero got 1,357 of the 1,150 signatures in 19 days -- Calogero resigned.

Mayor Steve Setteducati faced a recall threat in 2004, but it was withdrawn.